Are we using drugs rationally? A survey study from Turkey

Objectives: to investigate the rational use of drugs from patient’s perspective. methods: this study was conducted at the afyon kocatepe university training and research hospital between february and march 2013. data were collected with a questionnaire. descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used. results: about 54% (n=419) of participants reported that they used drugs without the advice of a physician. the 19-24 age group, secondary and high school graduates, and students used drugs more often without consulting a physician (p < 0.05). participants that used drugs after consulting a physician did not fully use the drugs as recommended by the physician, and physicians did not give patients adequate information about prescribed drug(s). 72% of participants stored drug(s) at home. conclusions: rational use of drugs is not completely achieved. certain patient groups and even physicians are closer to being a part of the irrational use of drugs.